Know all details about Pacers fan and firefighter Hans Perez, who was pelted with garbage by Knick fans
Hans Perez, a die-hard Pacers supporter, went viral after he was pelted with garbage by Knicks fans — all because he proudly wore a Tyrese Haliburton jersey in the heart of New York City. As the Pacers prepared to face off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, the reaction from Knicks fans turned hostile. A viral video captured the moment several individuals hurled bags of trash at Hans Perez — a Pacers supporter — sparking widespread outrage across social media platforms.
Who is New York firefighter Hans Perez as video of Indiana Pacers fan being pelted with trash by Knicks fans goes viral
UPDATE: Tyrese Haliburton is flying out firefighter and Pacers fan, Hans Perez, who got hit with bags of trash by New Yorkers for wearing his jersey, to Game 4 of the ECF in Indianapolis 🙌
(via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/QM42fh1pCX https://t.co/lX2RxbWjly
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 19, 2025
Hans Perez, a New York City firefighter, father, and former amateur boxer, has become a surprising symbol of basketball loyalty and fan spirit. Despite living in the heart of Knicks territory, Perez has passionately supported the Indiana Pacers for most of his life — a connection that began in his childhood and never faded. In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Perez shared how players like Reggie Miller, Jermaine O’Neal, Danny Granger, and Paul George shaped his admiration for the team.
Perez’s devotion runs so deep that he even got the Pacers logo tattooed on his body — a mark of pride that speaks volumes about his lifelong fandom. Following the Knicks’ win over the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Perez — dressed in a Tyrese Haliburton jersey — decided to walk near Madison Square Garden to celebrate the Pacers’ own playoff success. Initially met with curiosity, he soon found himself surrounded by an increasingly hostile crowd of Knicks fans. What began as playful taunts escalated quickly — some tried to pull off his jersey, while others went so far as to pelt him with trash.
Tyrese Haliburton is flying out the Indiana Pacers fan, who had trash thrown at him outside of Madison Square Garden, to Game 3** of the Eastern Conference Finals against New York.
Hans Perez, a firefighter, will meet the entire team & get tickets to the game with a guest of… pic.twitter.com/ZCX00xeNhP
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 19, 2025
Despite the confrontation, Perez emerged unharmed — and more importantly, his story gained traction across social media, capturing the attention of fans and players alike. Among those who took notice was Tyrese Haliburton himself. Moved by Perez’s unwavering support, the Pacers star extended a heartfelt invitation to bring him and a guest to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indiana.
Speaking again on McAfee’s podcast, Haliburton emphasized that the entire Pacers organization wanted to make sure Perez was treated with the respect and hospitality he deserved. Perez responded with gratitude, noting that he would need to coordinate with his firefighting team to take time off — but all signs suggest he’ll be in the stands cheering on his beloved Pacers in Indianapolis very soon.